2017 CARHARTT VENTURE™ “Equilibrio”

2017 Carhartt Venture “Equilibrio” – Dogged Vine Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley – 14.5% abv

Blend: 43% Sangiovese, 38% Montepulciano, 19% Colorino and Canaiolo

Nose (aromas): black plum, savory herbs, anise, pepper-aged meat, dried rose 

Flavor (palate): coffee, dried rose, aged raspberry, cacao

Winemaker’s Notes: This is the final vintage of this “four-part” blend, as the vineyard was completely torn out after the 2017 harvest. The Sangiovese and Montepulciano have incredible depth and acidity retention, while the Colorino and Canaiolo add perfect layering, resulting in a beautifully balanced (Equilibrio) wine.  

Ageing Potential: Now – 2030 +

Additional Notes: Pair with hearty dishes such as braised leg of lamb, or go vegetarian style with a full-flavor minestrone soup. The bottom line is, this wine has a serious backbone, mostly from the Montepulciano. If you want to eat with this wine, make sure the food can “compete.”